Public Health Nurse
The Barnstable County Public Health Nursing Division, part of the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment, is dedicated to advancing health equity, prevention, and regional collaboration across Cape Cod. Guided by our mission, our professional nursing staff works to educate residents about health issues, investigate public health concerns, provide immunizations, and build community partnerships that strengthen the health and well-being of Barnstable County residents.
The Division’s Public Immunization Program is one of our most utilized services. It provides a cost effective, convenient option to anyone seeking vaccination, including those without insurance. Due to capacity issues at many local pediatric practices, we provide childhood immunizations for families that might not otherwise be able to access to them. The Program also offers all travel vaccines and is listed on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s travel clinic website.
At the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment, disease investigation is a vital component of safeguarding public health, particularly in response to food-borne illnesses. The Department acts swiftly to identify and monitor potential outbreaks, conduct thorough interviews with affected individuals, and collaborate with local establishments to determine sources of contamination. Through timely investigations and evidence-based interventions, the team works to contain the spread of illness, promote public education on safe food handling practices, and uphold food safety standards across the county.
Public Health Nursing Programs and Services
The Barnstable County Public Health Nursing Division offers all immunizations, including flu vaccine, to County residents.
Who is this program available to?
Everyone!
How much do the vaccines cost?
Barnstable County participates in the federal Vaccine for Children program, which allows uninsured children under the age of 18 to receive free immunizations. For those who are uninsured, state supplied vaccine is available.
What vaccines are available?
We offer the following vaccines:
- Influenza (Flu) – regular & high dose
- Hepatitis A (child & adult)
- Hepatitis B (child & adult)
- Meningococcal
- MMR
- Rabies (pre-exposure, 2-dose series)
- Shingles – Shingrix
- TDap
- DTaP
- COVID-19 (Pfizer 12+)
- Polio
- Varicella
In addition, we also offer the following “travel” vaccines:
- Typhoid
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Yellow Fever
How do I get an appointment?
Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30am to 4:00pm. To schedule an appointment, call 508-375-6617.
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. As a result, two TB-related conditions exist: latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.
The TB skin test, also known as the Mantoux tuberculin skin test, is the most common way to diagnose tuberculosis. A tiny amount of fluid called tuberculin is injected just below the skin in your forearm. It contains inactive TB protein. It takes approximately two to three days for a reaction, if any, to occur.
Our nurses are trained to administer and read TB skin tests. Call (508) 375-6617 to schedule an appointment for a skin test and subsequent read.
For more information, visit TB Skin Test Factsheet
Schools, fire and police departments, and long-term care facilities may contact the Public Health Nursing Division to schedule a flu clinic during flu season. Nurses coordinate registration and perform vaccinations on site. A link for participants to pre-register online is provided.
*Minimum of 25 flu shots per clinic.
The ‘Ask a Public Health Nurse’ program, in collaboration with the regional Hunger Network and the Barnstable County Extension, continues to provide food pantry clients the opportunity (twice a month) to have basic health screenings (blood pressure and blood sugar), ask any health-related questions, get information about health-related resources, and have access to health-related literature. Clients may access this service before or after they receive their groceries. There is no fee or charges for the ‘Ask a Public Health Nurse’ program, to the clients or the food pantry.
In conjunction with local housing authorities, health screenings are offered free of charge to residents of subsidized housing at the housing location. Screenings include blood pressure, pulse, cholesterol, glucose, HDL, bone density, skin analysis, and hearing. We also provide a nutritionist and access to various other human services organizations.
Tick populations are abundant on Cape Cod, putting residents and visitors at risk for any one of the various diseases ticks carry. Our goal is to intensify awareness about ticks; what they look like, their preferred habitats, how to perform a tick-check, and prevention strategies for avoiding bites.
The Division offers free 30-minute educational tick & Lyme awareness presentations to Cape Cod schools and community groups that are specifically tailored to the audience and age group.
Helpful Links
Personal Protection:
Pet Protection:
Support Groups/Task Force:
Yard Protection:
Cape Cod is known to have one of the highest skin cancer rates in the United States, with plentiful beaches, year-round outdoor recreation, and over 50 tanning beds contributing to the risk.
According to data published by the National Institutes of Health State Cancer Profiles, the skin cancer diagnosis rate in Massachusetts is 5%. In the Barnstable-Yarmouth area, research from 2017–2021 shows a diagnosis rate of 8.6%, significantly higher than the state rate and nearly double the national average (source).
The Public Health Nursing Division offers sun safety and skin cancer awareness programs across the region. At local health fairs, nurses use the UV Skin Analyzer, which allows individuals to see invisible UV damage from sun exposure, helping people of all ages better understand their risks.
Even in the winter months, UV exposure on Cape Cod remains a concern, as sun reflects off snow and water. Practicing skin safety year-round is essential: wear sunscreen, avoid tanning beds, and seek shade when outdoors.
Learn more about protecting your skin and staying safe in the sun on Cape Cod: Enjoy the Sun Safely.
In cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH) and local boards of health throughout the County, the Division holds access to the MA Virtual Epidemiological Network (MAVEN). This allows the County Public Health Nurse to view and monitor case numbers of infectious diseases in real-time. Local boards of health in any of the County’s 15 towns can request this service, which helps to identify and address trends in commonly reported diseases.
In collaboration with the Municipal Health Group, we offer health screenings to all municipal employees. This includes blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, and HDL testing, skin analysis, hearing test, and bone density screenings. All screenings are accompanied by corresponding literature and health counseling by nurses.
We offer free health and wellness fairs to any nonprofit community group on Cape Cod. Applicable literature, services, and materials are tailored to the age groups and demographics of the audience. We also provide health screenings and important information regarding preventative care.
